Amorsolo was able to capture on canvas the magnitude of the fire as well as the concerted effort of the firemen and the clergy to save the sanctuary. Noteworthy was his rendition of intensity of the fire through the application of hues, texture, and perspective, which were his trademarks. His early works such as this have a hyper-realistic style.

The original church structure, which was of gothic architecture, was previously located within Intramuros (Manila) and managed by the Dominican Order. It was one of the landmarks of Old Manila and frequented by devotees because of the alleged miraculous image of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Rosario de la Naval). The image is now enshrined in the new church located in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

One fine example of a historical painting, it depicts the destruction of the Sto. Domingo Church brought about by the tremendous fire that occurred in the 1940s.